Old 66 Decals

An update - and a new product!

Two or three really big pieces of news since our last update:

First: Yes, we're still around. Since we don't do this as our full-time gig (and since, frankly, modeling is only one of many things we're interested in), other things have demanded our attention. On the other hand, slower moments have permitted time to work on some new projects. More on that in a moment.

Second: We're excited to announce our new partnership with Starfighter Decals. We do the research and artwork; they get the decals printed and handle wholesale and retail. (This makes life easier in a lot of ways.) From here on this website is an information portal and not a webstore, but links will be provided, sometimes in passive voice, to where you can buy the product.

Third: Although the original Apollo 8-12 sets are sold out in both scales, the possibility exists of a reprint in the near future. Keep watching this website.

That said, we're happy to announce the release of our latest sheet, and one a lot of you have wanted, thanks to its subject's connection with a little movie that came out a few years ago:

In 1:72 scale, here's our new decal for "Old 66" in Apollo 13 recovery markings. Since there were several significant differences and a couple of idiosyncrasies in this scheme, it wouldn't fit it in our original Apollo 8-12 set, but now here's a sheet that will let you build 152711 on its last recovery mission. It's detailed right down to Albert the Alleygator on the starboard door (although several previous depictions and popular perception had the angry UDT frog symbol there, pictures from the actual recovery show it's Albert with a cigar in his teeth and a stick of dynamite in his fist).

This sheet was designed with the Cyber-Hobby SH-3D kit in mind (and here's a guide to help you improve and correct this lovely but flawed kit), but should easily fit the Fujimi and Revell-Germany Sea King kits as well. They're beautifully printed, and the colors look especially rich and vibrant; they'll look great on your model. As with the original "Old 66" decal set, there's a detailed set of instructions with decal placement and kit notes. The markings are there; the rest is up to you.

Interested? You can buy here. And please do - other projects are in the works, some of them subjects never before offered, and every one of these sheets Starfighter sells will help make those new projects a reality. Thanks!

On how to order, and other matters

Hello, all! It's been a hectic few months at Old 66 Decals World Headquarters, and we've neglected this corner of the Internet too long. (Please forgive us.)

Be that as it may, from time to time people ask if our decals are still available. EDIT: We've sold out of the original "Old 66" decal sheet, although some are available on the secondhand market from various dealers, resellers and individuals. There is a possibility of a reprint in the near future; stay tuned. Meanwhile, a new project - the Apollo 13 sheet - is now available. Read our post here for further information.

...The Cyber-Hobby SH-3D kit has hit the shelves (and an SH-3G is about to follow). We have one in work, and it's not a bad kit. In some areas, it's brilliant; in other areas, though, it's a disappointment. Built straight from the box, it's not going to give you an accurate SH-3D of any era, and it's going to involve more than just leaving off a few parts. Getting an accurate "Old 66" build from this kit will take some work. We're making notes as we build this one, and once our findings are double-checked and ready for prime time, we'll share what we've learned. In the meantime, the trusty early '80s-vintage Fujimi kit remains available, can usually be found inexpensively, and is the easiest route to a from-the-box early SH-3. 

...And our friend Tommy Thomason has a guide to the SH-3 in the draft stage. Go check it out. There's some good stuff there.

Welcome!

Welcome to the Internet home of Old 66 Decals. If you're looking for the webstore...well, we've been fortunate enough to get interest from retailers who want to carry our products, so we've discontinued direct sales and will be selling through fine hobby marketers.

More details will be coming very soon. In the meantime, please bear with us as we establish a new and different web presence. Thanks!